“Isn't it funny how this book is kind of prophetic? Actually it’s not funny it’s scary. Not that I think one man will stop the world, but what the government can do when it interferes too much. Looking at the economy and the "bail out," government says we’ll bail out this bank but not that bank. Britain has partially nationalized its banks and France and Iceland soon to follow. Yikes! ”
“which one shall I read first? Fountainhead or Atlas Shrugged?”
“Atlas Shrugged will almost assuredly remain for the rest of my life the most remarkable book I will ever read, unless lightening strikes twice and we have another genius who is both a first-rate novelist AND philosopher. There is no reference point for this book. Nothing is like it. There has never been a figure like Ayn Rand in history before - as she is both an original philosopher and a giant in literature.I don't have to tell you to read this book because it is deep, or profound, or eye-opening, or a work of extremely uncommon genius, or of such broad scope you will never think about business, politics, money, sex or many other things the same way again.All the above is true. But one of the best compliments I can give this book is IT IS A RIP-ROARING YARN. The plot is incredible. The story is over-the-top compelling. I found myself rushing through all the brilliant digressions (which I've then re-read several times at later dates) which aren't digressions at all but feed into the stakes at risk in the story, but I would rush through them anyway, just to find out what happens next.If you want to experience one of the richest and most surprising combinations of plot and theme you will ever find in the English language (and probably any other) read Atlas Shrugged.And then when its over, deal with the sadness, at least as a reader, because you will never find anything like it again. A compensation is that, if her views appeal to you, there are several non-fiction books she then wrote the following decades on every philosophical branch - Metaphysics, Epistemology Ethics, Politics, and Aesthetics (Art) that will blow your mind. As this is a literature forum, I particularly recommend "The Romantic Manifesto", Ayn Rands thesis about art. Again, remarkable.- Alexander”
“Did anyone else have a rough go of getting through Galt's speech toward the end? Granted, it's just about the whole of a philosophy stuffed into, what, 50 or so pages, but PHEW! I am anxiously awaiting the resolution of the last chapter, but this speech is brutal. Does it ever end?? ”
“All i can say about this book is that it is so simply wonderful that it compels you to do some very serious thinking!”
“Someone told me that when this book first came out, a group of people thought it was real!”
“Its tough to say if I hated or liked the book. Yes it is REALLY repetative, I normally don't skip pages, but there was a couple times where it was the exact same premise presented again and again. Still it is illuminating and thought provoking in similarites with how our government is run currently.”
“Many of the capitalist situations that happen in this book are happening in today's world. Such as corporations controlling the government to an extent. The book is very relative in the today's society. So take it for what its worth.”
“it is funny, as much as i despise libertarian philosophy, i find myself reccommending this book (along with others like To Kill a Mockingbird and Dickens) to my young reading friends so they can get a good look at the philosophy behind them.”
“I just gotta know...is this book worth the read. I've had if for a number of years and haven't delved into.”
